Prevalence of trachoma in Benishangul Gumuz Region, Ethiopia: results of seven population-based surveys from the Global Trachoma Mapping Project

Summary

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of trachoma in evaluation units (EUs) of grouped districts (woredas) in Benishangul Gumuz region, Ethiopia. A population-based prevalence survey was conducted in 2013-2014 in each EU according to the methodology of the Global Trachoma Mapping Project. The study concluded that four of the seven EUs require implementation of the A, F and E components of the SAFE strategy (surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement). All seven EUs had trichiasis prevalence in adults significantly over the 0.2% WHO threshold for trachoma elimination: therein calling for considerable investment to recruit and train eye care workers.